ILT20 Season 3: Shanaka's Late Heroics Propel Dubai Capitals Past Gulf Giants
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Synopsis
In an exhilarating match at the Dubai International Stadium, Dasun Shanaka's explosive batting propelled the Dubai Capitals to a five-wicket victory over the Gulf Giants in ILT20 Season 3. With eight balls to spare, Shanaka's performance was instrumental in securing a crucial win for his team.
Key Takeaways
- Dasun Shanaka's late-game performance was crucial to victory.
- Jordan Cox scored a notable 70 runs for the Gulf Giants.
- The Dubai Capitals chased down 154 runs successfully.
- Shai Hope provided steady support with a score of 47.
- Both teams showcased strong performances throughout the match.
Dubai, Jan 24 (NationPress) A powerful performance by Dasun Shanaka was key in leading the Dubai Capitals to a decisive victory against the Gulf Giants in ILT20 Season 3 at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday evening. The Dubai Capitals triumphed by five wickets with eight balls remaining, as Shanaka unleashed a stunning batting display to secure this crucial win.
Upon being asked to bat first, Gulf Giants' captain James Vince aimed for an aggressive start. However, Obed McCoy struck early for the Dubai Capitals, dismissing Ibrahim Zadran for just three runs. Vince contributed with four boundaries in his total of 24, while Jordan Cox joined him to keep the scoreboard ticking for the Gulf Giants. Vince's dismissal just before the powerplay was followed by Tom Alsop being bowled for two by Zahir Khan in the seventh over. Thereafter, Cox took the initiative, supported well by Gerhard Erasmus.
Despite the Dubai Capitals' tight bowling, Cox and Erasmus compiled a significant 69-run partnership, giving the Giants some momentum as the innings progressed. Erasmus fell for 29, and soon after, Cox reached his half-century, partnering with the explosive Shimron Hetmyer.
While Hetmyer and Cox aimed to accelerate the scoring, the Dubai Capitals' bowlers maintained pressure. In the final over of their innings, Cox was run out for a commendable 70, helping the Gulf Giants set a competitive total of 153/5 in 20 overs, with Hetmyer finishing not out on 17.
In reply, Ben Dunk and Shai Hope began cautiously, trying to lay a solid foundation for the chase. Dunk fell for 10, followed by Khalid Shah, who added another 10 before both were dismissed, temporarily giving the advantage to the Gulf Giants.
Gulbadin Naib joined Hope, and they found gaps for crucial boundaries, aiding the Dubai Capitals' recovery. However, Gulbadin soon departed for 17, courtesy of Aayan Khan's second wicket. Najibullah Zadran also couldn’t last long, scoring just seven, leading to the arrival of captain Sikandar Raza alongside Hope.
Raza and Hope formed a partnership of 33 runs, stabilizing the innings. The Dubai Capitals required a solid partnership, which Raza and Hope provided, setting the stage for a strong finish in the final overs.
Hope was dismissed for 47 by Blessing Muzarabani, who gave away 18 runs in that over as Dasun Shanaka took charge. Shanaka relentlessly attacked the Gulf Giants' bowlers, concluding the match with two sixes, a boundary, and a single in the 19th over. He finished unbeaten on 34 from just 10 deliveries, while Raza contributed 26 off 15.
Brief scores:
Gulf Giants 153/5 in 20 overs (Jordan Cox 70, Gerhard Erasmus 29, Dushmantha Chameera 1-31) lost to Dubai Capitals 154/5 in 18.4 overs (Shai Hope 47, Dasun Shanaka 34 not out; Aayan Khan 2-23)
